One of the NFL's leading rookies, Allen has made crucial catches in each of San Diego's four victories. He gains a team-high 15.3 yards per catch (minimum 10 receptions).

Amerson, meanwhile, has played cornerback every game for Washington (2-5). Like Allen, he's had lapses. But he has six passes defended, 17 tackles and one huge interception.

His pal Allen described Amerson's flashiest play to date, a "pick-6" against the Raiders. Snatching Matt Flynn's late, poor pass over the middle, where he'd closed fast on speedster Denarius Moore, Amerson ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown. The play launched Washington's comeback to victory.

Amerson, 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds as listed at the NFL combine, is probably the faster sprinter, clocking 4.44 in the 40. The Redskins drafted him 51st.

Allen is nearly identical in size - 6-2 and 206 -- and went 76th in the draft. A knee injury kept him from running at the combine. Still not at full speed last June, he clocked in the 4.7s.

Both Allen (Cal) and Amerson (North Carolina State) are 21-year-olds who left college after their junior seasons.

The two went to different high schools in Greensboro.

In their schools' only football matchup, Amerson was fighting through an injury. Allen said Amerson played nonetheless, lining up at safety against Allen's offense "just so I wouldn't go crazy" after getting past the cornerbacks.

Allen may owe Amerson payback, however. When the two squared off on YMCA basketball court, who prevailed?

"He did; I'm not going to lie," Allen said. "He could've played basketball for major colleges."